Biotechnology Magnet Academy at Southwood High School

Growing a Regional Biotechnology Workforce

For additional information, please contact Mrs. Lisa Nance, Coordinator of the Biotechnology Magnet Academy, at lisa.nance@gmail.com.
In 2005 the administration at Southwood High School had a vision of creating a magnet component that would target a specific industry. Through a long-standing relationship with the Biomedical Research Foundation, the focus quickly turned to what is considered to be the economic growth industry of the 21st century. Biotechnology is at the center of the Intertech Science Park and the expansion of the knowledge based economy across Northwest Louisiana. An important component in building this environment is to develop an educated workforce.

In response to this need, the Biotechnology Magnet opened its doors in August of 2006 with 35 freshman level students. Students enter the program as ninth graders and participate in a rigorous program designed to address the Bioscience Skills Standards. A magnet curriculum outlining courses to be taken throughout the 9th – 12th grades is enforced to produce students with the necessary skills to continue the study of Biotechnology at a 4 year college as well as to facilitate those interested in becoming lab technicians upon graduating high school. The first year of study is dedicated to Anatomy and Physiology; the second year to microbiology, the third year to molecular and cellular biology, and the senior year to research techniques. Students are paired with a research mentor during their senior year to participate in an internship at LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport. The first class of Biotechnology Magnet Academy students will graduate in May 2010.
In addition to taking Advanced Placement (AP) or Honors level math and sciences courses, the students take specially designed, college level science courses.  The first year establishes a solid foundation and introduces students to the ethics and issues of biotechnology. The second year incorporates Dual Credit and AP math and science courses, while the third year focuses on microbiology/genetics and molecular/cellular biology (a dual-credit course taught by a professor from LSU in Shreveport).  The senior year culminates with research techniques and the development of a research project. The Biotechnology Academy graduates will have earned 32 Carnegie units, while only 24 are required in Louisiana to graduate from high school.  The table below demonstrates the rigor of the Biotechnology Academy curriculum compared to the minimum State of Louisiana requirements to receive a high school diploma.